The Panthers 66-51 victory over Bucknell was the team’s first win since Jan. 2, 2013 when they beat Old Dominion 55-54 in Norfolk, Va. Pitt had lost their previous 17 games before today’s victory. The win was the first at home for Pitt since Dec. 12, 2012 – a 67-49 win over Mount St. Mary’s.

WIRE-TO-WIRE

The Panthers accomplished a feat today which they hadn’t done in their previous 55 games -lead from start to finish. The last time Pitt had led from the opening tip to the closing horn was on Nov. 29, 2011 versus Mount St. Mary’s- a span of 55 games. They failed to hold the lead for an entire game in any of the 30 games played last season.

FIRST WIN FOR MCCONNELL-SERIO

The Panthers 66-51 victory over Bucknell was a special one as it marked not only Coach Suzie McConnell-Serio’s first game as the Pitt’s head coach but also her first victory as well. Coach McConnell improves her overall coaching record to 124-68 along with a November all-time coaching record of 28-8.

DOUBLE-DOUBLES

The Panthers were lead both offensively and defensively by senior forward Asia Logan and junior guard Brianna Kiesel. Logan posted her ninith career double-double with a stat line of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kiesel’s 20 point, 11 rebound performance marked her third career double-double as a Panther. The 20-point performance from Kiesel marked the 15th time over the junior’s career she had topped the 20-point plateau.

BRIGGS IN DOUBLE FIGURES

Loliya Briggs had 15 points - three points off her career high of 18. The 15 points marked the redshirt sophomores seventh double-figure performance of her career. She added five rebounds, three assists and three steals to her line score.

NEW FACES

Not only was the Panthers 66-51 victory over Bucknell a first for Coach McConnell-Serio, but also for two new players on the team in freshmen Fred Potvin and Chelsea Welch. Potvin, a native of Montreal, Canada - played 26 minutes and finished with three points and three steals. Welch, from Kettering, Ohio, played 24 minutes and tallied six points on two three-pointers.

STARTING THE SEASON OFF RIGHT

With today’s victory, Pitt now holds a 28-12 all-time record in home openers. It also marks the Panthers first home-opening game victory since the 2010-11 season when Pitt defeated Youngstown St. 78-58 to begin the season. Pitt had previously dropped the last two season home openers.

SWEET NOVEMBER

Pitt also improved their overall record to an impressive 88-28 in the month of November. Last season the Panthers posted a solid 5-1 record in November and looks to at least match that record as they play five more games this month.

PATRIOT LEAGUE SUCCESS

With the win over Bucknell, a Patriot League member, Pitt improved their all-time overall record against the Patriot League to 10-3. The Panthers will have two more opportunities this season as they host Lafayette on Nov. 17 and travel to Loyola on Nov. 23.